GENEALOGY MADNESS!

I have been immersed in genealogical research for the past few weeks -- no, I was not raptured up. So intent on getting my family tree finished for the big presentation next week for the third grade immigration project! I will be sharing some tips on how to use the internet to find long lost relatives and research family history. With my own family investigation over the last few months, I have discovered and connected several important answers to the puzzle of one missing family - the Garnhams. I was able to trace them through the census, UK village records and the most important document - the family will!

TOMATO POTATO

I came across a fun magazine illustration that I had done years ago. Working from a photo that was given to me from the art director, I rendered the plant as they wanted me to. I never really saw an actual Tomato-Potato Plant, but I think of it every year when I go to get my new crop of tomato plants. Today grandson Chris and I picked out heirloom, cherry and plum tomatos and planted them inside of the bamboo obelisks that we had made. Now we just have to wait until August!

A THOUGHT...

In Buddhism, we are taught to regard all sentient beings as having been our mother at one time or another. Imagining this helps us to develop compassion and kindness towards others.

SENSATIONAL COLOR!

Here is the recipe for Violet Jelly, it is perfect for Mother's Day. The two cups of boiling water are poured over the violets and put into the frig for 24 hours. Then the violets are strained and the infusion left for jelly making.

VIOLET JELLY

2 Heaping cups of fresh violet petals
2 Cups of boiling water
1/4 Cup strained lemon juice
4 Cups of sugar
3 oz. of liquid pectin

As soon as the lemon juice is added to the violet infusion - VOILA! a magnificent color is created!

VIOLET HARVESTIME

There is a profusion of violets this Spring. Lots of thought on how to showcase them, in ice cubes, candied, and of course, violet jelly!

SEASCAPE

TOASTING WITH TEA AND MERLOT

Val and I enjoyed every minute of the Royal Wedding yesterday. We moved from screen to screen celebrating with the same tea that the Queen has for breakfast every morning - Darvilles of Windsor. In the evening we donned our hats and sapphires for Happy Hour and a perfect ending in the hot tub.

BLUE FAIRY

BELVOIR BEACH

We had heard that Tom's brick had been placed on the walk in the park in Beach Haven. It has been a year of missing T.C. so we took the trip on this foggy morning to the park to see the little tribute. Afterwards, we sat on the beach at Belvoir and listened to the ocean and the memories.

SPRING POND

LUNCH AND GENEALOGY

Liz and I had a wonderful visit to Manasquan. Luckily, the thrift store was open and we came away with several unexpected bargains. Liz bought some very cute Spring ornaments and I found a 2 cup teapot to replace the one that had broken. Then on to Surf Taco for lunch, genealogy talk, and what to look for on our visit to the Atlantic View Cemetery. It is always good to have a map of the cemetery that you are visiting. It is never good to rely on memory, but after much scouting, we did find what we were looking for!

SHERRILL

SHERRILL

HAPPY EASTER 2011!

GETTING READY FOR EASTER -INDOORS/OUTDOORS

We are busy inside working on the finishing touches for Easter Dinner. Fred is outside doing the gardening and transplanting. Even the bunny showed up, I suspect he is enjoying some fresh, young bamboo shoots.

WALK THROUGH THE PARK

We visited Monmouth Battlefield Park and took the walk down the long slope, past the skunk cabbage and across the bridge towards the orchards today. The apple and peach trees are coming into bloom and velvety lambs' ear is popping up throughout the meadow.

VISIT TO THE SADDLE SHOP

Rick's Saddle Shop is in the historic town of Englishtown, NJ. It goes back to Revolutionary War Days and the oldest house in town is Dr. English's home where George Washington stayed during the Battle of Monmouth. We were visiting the Saddle Shop to purchase Chris's first riding gloves and helmet, he chose the adjustable model with a fashionable visor, and black gloves to match. After shopping we settled in to eating ice cream at Four Boys on the corner.